The diagnosis turned life upside down for the family from Jordanthorpe.

Sheffield Children’s Hospital has become a second home for Lindsey, 32, who takes Ellie there for the regular chemotherapy sessions that are due to last until next April.

And she has even become a parent governor at the hospital, getting heavily involved with the work of support charities CLIC Sargent and PACT – the Parents’ Association of Children with Tumours and Leukaemia.

Husband Carl, 37, said: “It’s difficult to convey in words what a great mum Lindsey has been to our kids since Ellie was diagnosed last February.

“Even if she is not feeling well herself, she makes sure Ellie and Joshua have come first in everything.

“Whether it’s when Ellie is in hospital and she is staying in with her, or if she is running around to make sure Joshua is provided for, Lindsey is always there for them.”

Lindsey has also tried to make Ellie’s life as fulfilling as possible, despite the grind of hospital visits.

In January she arranged for Ellie and her pals to meet boyband One Direction at a concert in Sheffield – the result of a Twitter campaign that caught the attention of celebrities including actress Kym Marsh, cricketing legend Andrew Flintoff and comedian Les Dennis.

Carl, a service manager at a fire safety firm, said: “If it wasn’t for Lindsey doing as much as she could, it would make it more difficult for me to work.

“She gave up her job as a nursery nurse at Norton Community Pre-School when Ellie was diagnosed.

“And she has held everything together at home, more or less on her own, so I can get to work and get home in the evenings to share the burden.”

Lindsey said: “Ellie’s diagnosis was life-changing. We are a family that are always on the go and very busy – but everything had to come to a complete standstill when Ellie started treatment.

“We just didn’t have the time any more and our lives were literally devoted to her.”

But she is very aware of the effect on son Joshua, who is two years younger than Ellie.

“He told Ellie he would be the big brother for a while and look after her while she was sick,” said proud Lindsey.